Chandigarh on the right (synthetic) track

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 5

The UT Administration is in the final phase of completing the formalities for getting the city’s first synthetic athletics track, confirmed officials.

The eight-lane synthetic track will replace the existing cinder track at the Sector 7 Sports Complex and will have the facilities for training of field events. Sources confirmed that various companies were pooled in to complete the measurement process and the final detailed draft has been prepared.

“We are in the final phase of completing all formalities. Experts’ views have been considered and we will start the process of purchasing the track soon,” said Dr Sunil Rayat, Joint Director Sports, UT Administration.

Asked about project details, he said: “It will be a world-class infrastructure.”

At present, there are three athletics tracks in the city - at the Sector 7 Sports Complex (cinder track), Sector 46 Sports Complex (grass track) and Panjab University campus (grass track). Having no other option, local athletes usually opt for training at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Sector 3, Panchkula. Several athletes also prefer moving to other states amid no availability of a professional track here.

Dream of Milkha Singh

It was a dream of former Indian sprinter Milkha Singh to see a synthetic track in Chandigarh.

Waiting since late 90s, the announcement to build a synthetic track was finally made in 2012. In 2013, after the release of Milkha Singh’s biopic, the UT Administration again promised to introduce the city’s first synthetic track. It was decided to build a 10-lane track at the Sector 46 Sports Complex. However, the planning committee sought to acquire some portion of the adjoining Post Graduate Government College, Sector 46, which delayed the process. After two years, the planning again started and the Sector 7 complex was shortlisted for it. In 2022, the Administration initiated ground work to complete the project.

In 2019, former Indian sprinter PT Usha had also expressed her concern and spoke about the importance of a synthetic track during her visit to Chandigarh. Even Panjab University’s plan to have an independent synthetic track has been in the pipeline for the past several years and is yet to see any development. It’s worth mentioning that Panjab University has won the prestigious Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy (MAKA) 16 times, since 1956-57, and still lacks behind from other universities of the region in having a synthetic track.

City’s first

The eight-lane synthetic track will replace the existing cinder track at the Sector 7 Sports Complex and will have the facilities for the training of field events. Sources confirmed that various companies were pooled in to complete the measurement process and the final detailed draft has been prepared.